NORWESCAP receives $20,000 grant for breast cancer program

The Avon Breast Health Outreach Program has awarded a $20,000 one-year grant to the Northwest New Jersey Community Action Partnership, Inc. (NORWESCAP) to increase awareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast cancer. It is the third year that the program has received funding from the Avon Foundation for Women to support its work on this important health issue, and in recognition of the program’s excellence.

The Warren County Breast Health Outreach Program at NORWESCAP will educate women throughout Warren County and refer them to low-cost or free mammograms and clinical breast exams in their own communities. The vital program will also provide patient navigation through the breast cancer screening process and breast health education programs throughout Warren County.

Since July 2007 the NORWESCAP Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (CEED) has reached more than 8,000 men and women with information about the importance of early detection of breast cancer and has provided over 3,100 mammograms and clinical breast exams for women in Warren County.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States, and the leading single cause of death overall in women between the ages of 40 and 55. According to the American Cancer Society, 6,960 new cases of breast cancer will be detected in New Jersey this year and 1,330 lives will be lost. Nationwide, there is a new diagnosis every three minutes and a death from breast cancer every 14 minutes. While advances have been made in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, early detection still affords the best opportunity for successful treatment. Programs such as NORWESCAP CEED help ensure that all women have access to early detection information and options, even poor and medically underserved women.

“NORWESCAP is pleased that the Avon Foundation for Women has chosen to support our Cancer Education and Early Detection Program by providing funding to help in the early detection of breast cancer. The Avon Foundation for Women shares our mission and is supporting our efforts to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and screening services are accessible to residents of Warren County. Funding from the Avon Foundation will ensure our education programs not only continue, but are enhanced in communities throughout Warren County,” said Georjean Trinkle, associate director of NORWESCAP.